Cultivation floor system for providing supply and discharge irrigation

ABSTRACT

A cultivation floor system has a floor on which plant containers are to be placed. The system includes a watertight basin and a water-permeable structure in the basin, which structure has a permeable top cloth which forms the top side of the floor on which plant containers are placed. The structure includes one or more water-retaining layers. A watering installation supplies water so that water is available for the plants in the plant containers. A perforated film is placed between the permeable top cloth on the one hand and the one or more water-retaining layers on the other hand, which perforated film is made of impermeable film material which is provided with distributed perforations in such a manner that the film reduces the free evaporation surface for water from the one or more water-retaining layers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/097,775filed on Nov. 13, 2020, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No.15/934,325 filed on Mar. 23, 2018, which is a Divisional of Ser. No.14/767,390, filed Aug. 12, 2015, which is the U.S. National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/NL2014/050086, filed Feb. 12, 2014;the contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for installing acultivation floor system comprising a floor on which plant containersare placed. The cultivation floor system comprises an ebb/flood wateringinstallation which is configured to alternately cause a supply of waterto the cultivation floor and a discharge of water from the cultivationfloor.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

It is known to install such a cultivation floor system, for example in agreenhouse, by first providing a watertight basin. In said basin, one ormore irrigation lines are placed which comprise several outflow openingsdistributed along the length thereof which make it possible for water toflow from the one or more irrigation lines. A water pump is provided andis connected to the one or more irrigation lines.

A water-permeable structure is provided in the basin, which structurehas a permeable and horizontal top which forms the floor on which plantcontainers are placed. In a known embodiment, said structure comprisesone or more layers of granular material, for example volcanic rock, inwhich the one or more irrigation lines are covered by the permeablestructure.

Such ebb/flood cultivation floor systems allow a very beneficial watersupply to the plants in the plant containers. When water is supplied,the water level in the basin rises, in practice often until the waterrises up through the permeable top everywhere and the bottom part of theplant containers is submerged in water.

Plastic pots, for example provided with holes near the underside, areused as plant containers, but other plant containers are also known. Thepot is, for example, made of porous and/or biological material, such ascoconut fibre, or no pot is used and the plant container consists of,for example, a growth substrate block, for example made of mineral woolor the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first aspect of the invention is aimed at providing a furtherimprovement of ebb/flood cultivation floor systems, in particular with aview to a desired high degree of uniform growth of all plants on thefloor. Improving said uniformity is advantageous for the yield which theplants provide for the grower.

The first aspect of the invention achieves the abovementioned object bymeans of a method according to the present principles. Herein it isprovided that the method comprises the steps of—while the one or moreirrigation lines have been placed in the basin and the pump is connectedthereto—supplying water to the one or more irrigation lines by means ofthe pump and monitoring the emerging flow of the water from the one ormore irrigation lines in order to check whether the emerging flow isuniform across the one or more irrigation lines in the basin, and—ifdeviations in the emerging flow are observed—adjusting the effectiveemerging flow by providing the one or more irrigation lines, in situ,with one or more additional outflow openings or increasing thedimensions of one or more outflow openings at a location where theemerging flow is considered to be too small and/or closing one or moreoutflow openings of the irrigation lines or reducing the dimensions ofone or more outflow openings at a location where the emerging flow isconsidered to be too large.

The first aspect of the invention is based on the insight that, uponaccurate observation of known floors, it is found that the water levelabove the top does not rise in a uniform manner everywhere, as a resultof which the plants at some locations have a different water regime thanother plants at different locations on the cultivation floor. Althoughthese differences are small, they appear to have an effect on theuniformity of plant growth. The invention is furthermore based on theinsight that the emerging flow of water from the one or more irrigationlines affects the uniformity with which the water rises (viewed acrossthe surface of the cultivation floor), despite the presence of awater-permeable structure in the basin.

The method according to the first aspect of the invention makes itpossible to improve the uniformity of the rise of the water level,viewed across the floor, by adjusting “in situ” the effective emergingflow of the one or more irrigation lines. This is preferably carried outby providing the one or more irrigation lines with one or moreadditional outflow openings or increasing the dimensions of one or moreoutflow openings at a location where the emerging flow is thought to betoo small.

In practice, the monitoring can take the form of a visual check by amonitoring individual, but it is also conceivable to provide a measuringsystem. For example, a system with one or more cameras could be providedwhich record the emerging flow and said images are then looked at by amonitoring individual. If desired, it is also possible to providesoftware which analyses the camera images in order to assess theemerging flow of water and determine the locations at which the emergingflow is too small and/or too large.

It is considered advantageous if the steps of supplying water,monitoring, and adjusting the effective emerging flow are repeated oneor more times until a desired uniform emerging flow of water from theone or more irrigation lines is achieved, followed by providing thewater-permeable structure in the basin.

The method of the first aspect of the invention can be carried out in aparticularly effective way if a tool is used which produces and/orenlarges outflow openings, which tool is provided with a base comprisingguide means, for example wheels, which are configured to engage with theirrigation line. The method then furthermore comprises placing the toolon the irrigation line and moving the tool along the line. The tool isthen actuated at a location where it is desired to create one or moreadditional outflow openings or to enlarge the outflow opening in orderto increase the effective emerging flow. As a result thereof, theinstallation person does not have to carry a tool, and a desiredalignment of the tool with respect to the line can readily be achieved.

The tool may, for example, comprise a rotating saw blade, by means ofwhich a cut is made in the line. For example, a standard manual circularsaw is arranged in a frame provided with guide means which engage withthe line.

For example, the step of providing one or more additional outflowopenings or increasing the dimensions of one or more of the outflowopenings comprises one or more operations from the list including:drilling, milling, sawing, burning, cutting, or punching. In a practicalembodiment, sawing, in particular using a rotating saw blade, isadvantageous.

Preferably, no corrugated lines are used as irrigation lines, but ratherlines which have a closed and smooth, non-corrugated peripheral wall.For example PVC lines with a smooth wall. With the currently knowninstallation method, a corrugated drainage line which has a corrugatedwall provided at regular intervals with outflow openings is usually usedas the irrigation line. It has been found that, due to the shape oftheir wall, these corrugated lines contribute to a non-uniform emergingflow of the water. In this respect, the lines with a smooth wall performbetter and they are also available in strong designs, in which outflowopenings can readily be made without being too disadvantageous for themechanical load-bearing capacity of the line.

In a practical embodiment of the method, the irrigation lines placed inthe basin, for example smooth walled PVC lines, are provided withseveral outflow openings along their length, for example at regularintervals, in an initial processing step.

In a practical embodiment, the basin has a bottom profile which isproduced in a bed, for example in a bed of sand, comprising a channel inthe bottom profile in which an irrigation line is provided and a bottomsurface on one or both sides of the channel, preferably a bottom surfacesloping towards the channel, wherein the bed is covered by a watertightmembrane, after which the irrigation line is placed in the channel.

Preferably, the channel is formed such that it has a cross section whichcorresponds to the cross section of at least the bottom portion of theirrigation line to be accommodated therein. Thus, a zone where stagnantwater could collect next to the bottom part of the irrigation line isavoided. In particular, this measure is advantageous if the line is onlyprovided with outflow openings in a top portion, above the channel.

In a practical embodiment, the one or more outflow openings are formedor enlarged by means of a cut by a saw, for example in the longitudinaldirection of the line.

Preferably, the irrigation line is accommodated in a channel, so that atop portion of the line is exposed, wherein the one or more outflowopenings are formed or enlarged in the exposed top portion of the line.If desired, a small number of openings may be provided in the bottomportion in order to avoid accumulation of water at the underside of theline, and possible floating up of the drained line. This is an effectiveapproach, for example, if only a top cloth is used as water-permeablestructure.

After the emerging flow has been made uniform, a permeable mat or clothis preferably placed over the irrigation line and adjacent surface partsof the basin bottom. On top of said cloth or mat, a granular layer maythen be provided, for example.

In an embodiment, an elongate strip of gauze or an open fabric isfirstly laid over the irrigation line after the emerging flow has beenmade uniform. This gauze or open fabric is intended to prevent granularmaterial from sinking into the outflow openings later and thussubstantially decreasing the actual dimensions of the outflow openings.For example, a strip having a width of between 20 and 50 centimetres islaid over the line provided with outflow openings.

In an embodiment, the basin bottom is provided with a watertight plasticfilm, which preferably also extends underneath the irrigation lines. Ifa granular layer is intended to be used as a water-permeable structure,it is preferred to lay a protective cloth over the watertight plasticfilm which prevents granular material from damaging the underlyingplastic film, for example as a result of sharp points of the granularmaterial perforating the film. Such a protective cloth preferably has arelatively closed structure and is, for example, configured as a closedfabric of synthetic material. In an embodiment, this protective cloth islaid over the irrigation line and over the strip of gauze or openfabric, if present, which has previously been laid over the irrigationline. In an embodiment, the protective cloth is stretched in order tocover the film neatly.

As the relatively closed protective cloth could disrupt the flow ofwater, in particular the emerging flow from the irrigation line, due tothe density of the cloth, provision is made to make holes in theprotective cloth at the location of the irrigation line so that thewater flow is not adversely affected. For example, holes are made inthis cloth exactly at the location of the outflow openings in the line.If the protective cloth is made of plastic material, as is preferred,holes could be made by locally heating the cloth using hot air, forexample by means of a hot air blower, so that the cloth melts locally,thus forming the hole. This approach using hot air can also be used ifsaid gauze or open fabric has been laid over the line, under theprotective cloth, as the hot air easily flows through this gauzematerial and does not cause this material to melt. As a result of thisapproach of using hot air to form holes in the protective cloth after ithas been installed, the correct position of this cloth is maintained andthe protective cloth will also retain its strength. As a result ofmaking the holes, the protective cloth may be a relatively closed cloth,which is advantageous with regard to the protective effect.

It will be clear that providing a strip of gauze material over the lineand/or making holes in protective cloth at the location of theirrigation line as described above may also apply if the irrigation lineis not provided with suitably dimensioned outflow openings ‘in situ’.This may, for example, be an irrigation line which was provided withoutflow openings before being installed in the cultivation floor or evenduring production of the line, which openings are not modifiedsubsequently. In this situation too, the measures of providing the stripof gauze material and/or providing holes in a protective cloth(optionally using hot air) have the abovementioned advantages.

The technique of placing a strip of gauze material or open fabric, of aprotective cloth, and of making holes in this protective cloth will beexplained below as a separate fourth aspect of the invention.

In a simple variant, the permeable structure only consists of awater-permeable cloth or mat which is laid over the irrigation lines andthe bottom of the basin. The first aspect of the invention furthermorerelates to a cultivation floor system installed using the methodaccording to the invention.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a cultivation floor systemwith a floor on which plant containers are placed. The cultivation floorsystem comprises a watertight basin and a water-permeable structure inthe basin. The water-permeable structure has a permeable top cloth whichforms the floor onto which the plant containers are placed. Thestructure furthermore has one or more water-retaining layers, forexample of granular material, such as for example of volcanic rock. Thepermeable top cloth is highly porous and has small pores. Preferably, asis also the case in known systems, the top cloth is a woven top clothhaving small pores between the yarns of the top cloth.

The system furthermore comprises a watering installation which isconfigured to supply water so that water is available for the plants inthe plant containers, for example an overhead irrigation installationor, as is preferred within the framework of the second aspect of theinvention, an ebb/flood watering installation.

Various embodiments of cultivation floor systems are known from theprior art, for example, with an ebb/flood watering installation, inwhich one or more layers of granular material are provided, a capillarymat on top of the top layer of granular material (partly forstabilizing), and on top of that the top cloth.

In practice, undesirable effects occasionally occur during use of suchcultivation floor systems, in particular during use in greenhouses.

One problem is, for example, the fact the top cloth can becomesoiled/blocked to an undesirable degree by the growth of algae. As aresult thereof, said top cloth has to be cleaned excessively often,which is labour-intensive.

Another problem relates to the climate in the greenhouse, where it issometimes desirable to have a lower humidity percentage than can beachieved without having to discharge an excessive amount of air from thegreenhouse (resulting in a significant loss of energy).

The second aspect of the invention is aimed at providing an improvedcultivation floor system and cultivation floor therefor, by means ofwhich one or more of said problems can be solved.

The second aspect of the invention provides a cultivation floor systemaccording to the present principles, which is characterized in that aperforated film is placed between the permeable top cloth on the onehand and the one or more water-retaining layers on the other hand, whichperforated film is made of impermeable film material which is providedwith distributed perforations in such a manner that the film reduces thefree evaporation surface for water from the water-retaining layer orlayers, preferably by at least 50%, more preferably by at least 90%.

The second aspect of the invention is based on the insight that, forexample, a granular layer or a different kind of water-retaining layer,retains a considerable amount of water, also when the water has flowedout of the basin. Due to the (usually heated) climate in the greenhouse(or optionally by heating in the cultivation floor itself), part of thiswater will evaporate and rise up through the permeable structure and thepermeable top cloth in order to humidify the air in the greenhouse.

The second aspect of the invention is based on the insight that, withknown floors, this evaporation takes place to an excessive degree. Thisregularly causes the effect, for example, where the top cloth alwaysremains moist, since drying “from above” is effectively cancelled outdue to the freely rising moisture of evaporation. This offers idealconditions for the growth of algae in and on top of the top cloth, whichthus becomes soiled and ultimately blocked.

The same rising water vapour also contributes to the moisture percentagein the air in the greenhouse, as a result of which the grower may not beable to achieve a lower percentage unless the air is replaced by drierair.

The second aspect of the invention provides the use of an intrinsicallyclosed film which has, however, been provided with, preferablyrelatively large, perforations, which significantly reduces the freeevaporation surface as it were. This results in water which has remainedbehind in the one or more water-containing layers of the structureevaporating much less easily. Furthermore, this vapour only rises up atthe location of the perforations in the film, as a result of which thetop cloth easily dries out in the surface regions between theseperforations.

With an ebb/flood watering installation, the size of the perforations ispreferably chosen such that the perforations do not hamper anythrough-flow of water in an ebb/flood watering installation. Forexample, perforations are then provided which have a diameter of between0.5 mm and 12 mm. Preferably, the smallest diameter is at least 1 mm orpreferably 2 mm. For example, perforations with a diameter of 1.5 mmwhich are at least 4 mm apart or preferably perforations with a diameterof between 7 and 11 millimetres which are between 30 and 60 mm apart.

For example, the distance between adjacent perforations in the film orbetween groups of smaller perforations is at least 10 mm, which readilyleads to dry zones in the top cloth.

In a practical embodiment, a perforated film is provided which is madeof impermeable film material which is provided with distributedperforations with a mean surface area of the openings of between 0.75mm² and 108 mm², wherein the perforations preferably form at most 10% ofthe surface area, optionally at most 5% of the surface area.

In a variant, the perforations are small, for example between 50 and 200micrometres, which variant is not or hardly suitable for, in particular,ebb/flood watering installations, but may be used with otherwater-supply installations, such as drippers or overhead irrigation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the perforated film is a single-layerfilm, for example made of plastic. As the top cloth will generally beUV-resistant, and generally non-transparent, this film does not have tobe particularly UV-resistant.

Preferably, the perforated film is situated as high up as possible inthe water-permeable structure, but below the top cloth. Thus, forexample, the top cloth is situated directly on top of the perforatedfilm.

In a variant, the hydraulic connection between plants via thecultivation floor is considered to be important. In this case, acapillary mat may be provided directly underneath the top cloth, whichcapillary mat has a capillary action in the vertical direction and inthe horizontal direction, with the perforated film being situatedunderneath the latter, for example having one or more layers ofwater-containing material, for example granular material, underneath it.

For example, a concrete basin is provided, with a capillary mat beingarranged on the concrete with the perforated film on top thereof and thetop cloth on top thereof. This may be carried out in combination with anebb/flood watering installation, so that the water periodically risesabove the top cloth. Optionally, a second, thin capillary mat may beprovided between the perforated film and the top cloth in order toachieve the abovementioned mutual water-carrying connection betweenplant containers, if this is considered to be important. The underlying,optionally thicker capillary mat then serves as a water-containinglayer.

In a more complicated embodiment, the top cloth is situated on acompressible mat having an open structure, which compressible mat may becompressed locally by the weight of each plant container, whereinnon-compressed regions of the mat exhibit no capillary action andcompressed regions provide a hydraulic connection between the plantcontainer and the one or more water-retaining layers, wherein thecompressible mat is situated on top of or underneath the perforated filmand wherein the one or more water-retaining layers are situated at alower level.

In this embodiment, the top cloth in the non-compressed regions is keptat an additional distance, as it were, from the one or morewater-retaining layers and, as a result of the airy composition of thecompressible mat, the top cloth can readily dry in those locations. Atthe locations where the compressible mat has been compressed by theweight of the plant container, there is a hydraulic connection, so thatthe plant can be provided with water. If the perforated film is situatedunderneath the compressible mat, which is preferred, this film preventsmoisture, which evaporates from the water-retaining layer or layers,from penetrating into this compressible mat, or renders it moredifficult. Due to the reduced supply of moisture from below, arelatively dry climate may be created in the non-compressed parts of themat.

In a possible variant of a floor with a compressible mat, the perforatedfilm is situated on a capillary mat which has a capillary action in thehorizontal direction and in the vertical direction, for example anon-woven mat made of fibrous elements, for example a compactednon-woven mat. As a result thereof, moisture can also be transported inthe horizontal direction underneath the film, for example from plant toplant.

In a preferred embodiment, an ebb/flood watering installation isprovided which is configured to alternately cause a supply of water tothe cultivation floor and a discharge of water from the cultivationfloor, which watering installation comprises:

-   -   one or more irrigation lines in the basin, which irrigation        lines have several outflow openings along their length which        make it possible for water to flow from the one or more        irrigation lines, wherein the one or more irrigation lines are        covered by the water-permeable structure.

The second aspect of the invention also relates to a method for growingplants, for example in a greenhouse, wherein use is made of acultivation floor system according to the second aspect of theinvention.

The second aspect of the invention also relates to a method for growingplants, preferably in a greenhouse, wherein use is made of a cultivationfloor system according to the second aspect of the invention, andwherein the perforated film is dimensioned in such a way with a freeevaporation surface for water from the water-retaining layers that atleast one of the following effects is achieved:

-   -   drying the top cloth during periods when the water basin is        empty so that the growth of algae on or in the top cloth is        prevented/avoided;    -   reducing the moisture percentage in the air in the greenhouse as        a result of the evaporation of water from the one or more        water-retaining layers being reduced;    -   maintaining a desired moist climate in the one or more        water-retaining layers with a view to a biological state in        those one or more retaining layers.

Plastic pots, for example provided with holes at the underside, are usedas plant containers, but other plant containers are also known. Forexample, the pot is made of porous and/or biological material, such ascoconut fibre, or no pot is present and the plant container is, forexample, a block of growth substrate, for example made of mineral woolor the like.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a cultivation floor systemwith an ebb/flood watering installation.

The third aspect of the invention relates to a cultivation floor systemcomprising a cultivation floor with a watertight basin and a cultivationfloor on which plant containers are placed. The cultivation floor systemfurthermore comprises an ebb/flood watering installation which isconfigured to alternately cause a supply of water to the cultivationfloor and a discharge of water from the cultivation floor. In practicalapplications, the water level is regularly allowed to rise to a highestwater level above the floor.

The cultivation floor may be a watertight, for example concrete, floor,which is overflowed during a flood, so that the bottom part of the plantcontainers is submerged in water. During ebb, the water is allowed toflow away, so that the floor goes dry.

In another known embodiment, which is also considered to be advantageouswith the present invention, the cultivation floor has a water-permeablesubstructure and the upper side of the floor is also permeable, forexample due to a permeable top cloth with one or more layers of granularmaterial underneath it, such as for example volcanic rock. In this case,the one or more irrigation lines are usually in or under the one or morelayers of granular material, so that the water in the permeablestructure rises and falls uniformly across the basin during the cycle offlood and ebb.

Known cultivation floor systems, for example in a greenhouse, oftencomprise a large number of basins, wherein the ebb/flood cycle can beadjusted separately for each basin. With known systems, a wateringinstallation with one or more irrigation lines in the basin and a pumpfor supplying water to the one or more irrigation lines is provided.

Furthermore, a water storage, for example a storage pond or anunderground water storage, is provided. The pump takes water from thewater storage and supplies it to the basin via the irrigation lines.After the water level has been kept at the desired higher level for asufficiently long time, the water is allowed to flow back to the waterstorage via a discharge line. In order to control these flows, twovalves are provided for each basin in known systems, namely a supplyvalve to the irrigation lines and a discharge valve to the dischargeline. These valves are usually operated electrically and/orpneumatically.

With such a cultivation floor, correct operation of the ebb/floodwatering installation is of paramount importance, since the plants couldotherwise suffer considerable damage. The valves are a relevant sourceof malfunctions. This makes it necessary for the grower to keep a stockof completely new valves and/or parts for these and/or to have thesedelivered quickly, which increases costs.

The third aspect of the invention is aimed at providing a cultivationsystem with an improved valve assembly, in particular with regard tosusceptibility to failure, ease of repair, and costs.

The third aspect of the invention achieves one or more of theabovementioned objects, for example, by a cultivation system accordingto the present application.

As will further become clear from the following description withreference to the drawing, the valves according to the third aspect ofthe invention operate completely mechanically and the valve can beproduced in such a manner that the cost price is low. Also, the valvecan be produced in such a manner that it can easily be cleaned/repaired,while not overly taxing a mechanic's skills.

In an advantageous embodiment, a resetting mechanism is provided whichbiases the piston into its open position, for example when the watervolume in the reservoir of the piston has dropped below a certainamount. As a result thereof, the valve opens reliably and remains openuntil the pump supplies water again.

In an advantageous embodiment, the outflow channel of the piston opensat the outlet connection when the piston is in its closed position. As aresult thereof, a reliable action of the outflow channel is achieved.

In a possible embodiment, the piston has an adjustable outflow channelso that the speed at which the reservoir in the piston empties isadjustable. As a result thereof, the duration of the high water level inthe basin can be adjusted and can, for example, be adapted to thespecific crops or cultivation regime. Preferably, mechanical adjustmentmeans are provided, for example a manually adjustable outflow valve.

In a practical embodiment, a removable cover is provided at the top ofthe housing, so that the piston can be removed from the main cylinder,for example for cleaning and/or repair.

In a practical embodiment, the reservoir inlet is situated at the top ofthe piston and the pump inlet opens above the reservoir inlet. As aresult thereof, it can easily be ensured that the reservoir is filledwhen the water supply via the pump inlet is started, so that the closedposition of the piston is also achieved.

In a practical embodiment, the piston has a smaller diameter than themain cylinder, so that a ring-shaped passage for water is present,through which water can flow from the pump inlet to the irrigation lineconnection. The diameter may differ significantly, so that for example agap of more than a centimetre is present between the piston and the maincylinder, making it impossible for undesired clamping to occur.

In a practical embodiment which is inexpensive and easy tomaintain/repair the housing comprises a plastic pipe section, preferablymade of PVC, which forms the main cylinder. Preferably, the piston alsocomprises a plastic pipe section, preferably made of PVC, which pipesection forms the reservoir of the piston. Other parts of the valve canalso be made of plastic, for example the bottom part of the housing isproduced as a T-piece, preferably made of PVC.

In a practical embodiment, the cultivation floor system comprisesseveral basins, wherein a combined supply and discharge valve isprovided at each basin.

The third aspect of the invention also relates to a method for operatinga cultivation floor system according to the third aspect of theinvention.

In this case, in order to supply water to the cultivation floor, thepump supplies water to the pump inlet of the combined supply anddischarge valve, as a result of which the reservoir in the piston isfilled and the piston is pushed onto the seat in its closed position.The water supplied by the pump flows into the basin via the irrigationline connection and the one or more irrigation lines, so that the waterlevel therein rises. This supply is stopped when the water in the basinhas reached a desired water level. In the meantime, water flows out ofthe reservoir in the piston—via the outflow channel—but the valveremains closed as long as the amount of water in the reservoir of thepiston is sufficient to keep the valve in its closed position. When theamount of water in the reservoir of the piston drops below a certainamount, the valve opens, so that the water flows out of the basin andinto the water storage via the one or more irrigation lines, theirrigation line connection and the outlet connection.

The third aspect of the invention provides that the time period forwhich the piston is in its closed position is adjusted by adjusting theoutflow of the piston.

The third aspect of the invention also relates to a cultivation floorsystem comprising a cultivation floor with a watertight basin and afloor on which plant containers are placed, which cultivation floorsystem furthermore comprises an ebb/flood watering installation which isconfigured to alternately cause a supply of water to the cultivationfloor and a discharge of water from the cultivation floor,

wherein the ebb/flood watering installation comprises:

-   -   one or more irrigation lines in the basin;    -   a pump for supplying water to the one or more irrigation lines;    -   a discharge line;    -   a water storage, wherein the pump draws water from the water        storage and the discharge line returns water to the water        storage,    -   a valve assembly.

Herein, the valve assembly is characterized in that the valve assemblycomprises a combined supply and discharge valve, wherein the valvecomprises:

-   -   a housing;    -   a main cylinder in the housing, which main cylinder has an axis,        optionally a horizontal axis;    -   a pump inlet connected to the main cylinder, which pump inlet is        connected to the pump,    -   an irrigation line connection in the housing which is connected        to the main cylinder and to which the one or more irrigation        lines are connected;    -   wherein a valve piston is provided in the main cylinder so as to        be movable along the axis,    -   wherein the housing is provided with a seat at an end of the        main cylinder,    -   wherein an outlet connection is provided in the housing, to        which the discharge line is connected,    -   wherein the outlet connection is provided in an end part of the        housing, on that side of the seat which is turned away from the        main cylinder,    -   wherein the valve piston can be moved to and fro between a        closed position, in which the piston engages with the seat and        closes off the outlet connection of the main cylinder, so that        the pump inlet is connected to the irrigation line connection,        and an open position in which the piston is at a distance from        the seat so that the outlet connection is connected to the main        cylinder and to the irrigation line connection,    -   and wherein a flow path for water is present between the valve        piston and the housing, so that water can pass from the pump        inlet to the irrigation line connection when the valve piston is        in the closed position,    -   wherein the housing, on the end turned away from the seat, has        an end cap, for example a removable cover, which forms a closure        for the main cylinder, so that a variable chamber is formed        between this end cap and the valve piston, which variable        chamber is connected to the pump inlet,    -   wherein the valve is furthermore provided with a restriction        element which forms a restriction at a location between the        valve piston and the housing for water supplied via the pump        connection, so that water pressure is created and/or amplified        upstream of the restriction, which water pressure brings and        keeps the valve piston in its closed position.

In a practical embodiment, the restriction element is a stationary andrigid restriction element which defines a fixed restriction surfacearea, which surface area is preferably smaller than the inner diameterof the pump inlet.

In an embodiment, the restriction element is provided between the outerperiphery of the valve piston and the surrounding portion of thehousing. Preferably, the restriction element is arranged on the outerperiphery of the valve piston, for example in the form of a ring,wherein an annular gap is present between the ring and the housing.

With a valve according to the third aspect of the invention, the valvepiston may furthermore be provided with a tubular portion which extendsalong the axis and has a bore which is open at that end of the valvepiston which is turned away from the seat, wherein the housing comprisesan inlet pipe connected to the pump inlet, which inlet pipe extendsalong the axis and projects into the bore in the tubular portion of thevalve piston. Preferably, the inlet pipe only has a mouth at its axialend, so that the water squirts against the valve piston in the axialdirection. Preferably, the inlet pipe has a significantly smaller outerdiameter than the diameter of the bore, for example such that thesurface area of the intermediate annulus is larger than the surface areaof the inner diameter inlet pipe or of the mouth thereof.

A valve according to the third aspect of the invention may furthermorebe provided with restoring means, for example one or more springs, forexample one or more tension springs, which restore the valve piston tothe open position when the supply of water to the pump inlet stops.

A valve according to the third aspect of the invention may furthermorebe provided with locking means which are configured to lock the valvepiston in its closed position. For example, a locking pin may beprovided which can be pushed against the valve piston in the axisdirection and fixed.

A valve according to the third aspect of the invention may furthermorebe provided with an air valve, for example a non-return valve or acontrollable valve, which air valve serves to allow, if desired, air toescape from the main cylinder, for example from said chamber, optionallyautomatically.

The third aspect of the invention also relates to a combined supply anddischarge valve intended for use with a cultivation floor system asdescribed herein.

The fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for installing acultivation floor system comprising a cultivation floor onto which plantcontainers are placed, which cultivation floor system comprises anebb/flood watering installation which is configured to alternately causea supply of water to the cultivation floor and a discharge of water fromthe cultivation floor, which method comprises:

-   -   providing a watertight basin with a plastic membrane as a        watertight basin bottom;    -   placing one or more irrigation lines in the basin, preferably in        such a way that an irrigation line is situated in a channel and        the plastic membrane runs underneath the irrigation line, which        irrigation lines provide several outflow openings along their        length which make it possible for water to flow from the one or        more irrigation lines;    -   providing a water-permeable structure in the basin, which        structure has a permeable and horizontal top which forms the        floor on which plant containers are placed, which structure        comprises one or more layers of granular material, wherein the        one or more irrigation lines are covered by the water-permeable        structure.

In known practice, a protective cloth is laid over the watertightplastic membrane to protect said membrane from damage by the often-sharpgranular material. In known practice, this protective cloth is also laidover the irrigation line which is provided with outflow openings.

In order to prolong the service life of the basin, it is desirable forthe protective cloth to have as much protective action as possible. Thiscan be achieved by configuring the cloth as a fabric of relativelyclosed structure. However, with the known practice, this would have anadverse effect on the emerging flow of water from the outflow openingsof the irrigation lines, for example on the uniformity of this emergingflow.

The fourth aspect of the invention is aimed at presenting a furtherimprovement of the ebb/flood cultivation floor systems.

The fourth aspect of the invention provides a method as mentioned above,wherein an elongate, readily water-permeable strip of gauze or an openfabric is laid over the irrigation line provided with outflow openings,which strip is configured to prevent granular material from penetratinginto the outflow openings, and which strip preferably covers edgeregions of the basin bottom which border the irrigation line,

-   -   and wherein a protective cloth is then laid over the watertight        plastic membrane and the readily water-permeable strip, which        protective cloth is configured to prevent granular material from        damaging the watertight plastic membrane located underneath,    -   and wherein holes are made in the protective cloth at the        location of the irrigation line, preferably after the protective        cloth has been laid, for example exactly at the location of the        outflow openings in the irrigation line,    -   and wherein one or more layers of granular material are then        arranged in the basin.

The approach according to the abovementioned method makes it possible tooptimize the protective cloth for its protective action withoutadversely affecting the emerging flow of water. The strip preventsgranular material from penetrating into the outflow openings and thusensures the desired emerging flow.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, theprotective cloth has a denser structure than the readily water-permeablestrip, for example is configured as a closed fabric of plastic material.

In an embodiment, the protective cloth is configured as a fabric ofsynthetic material, and the holes in the protective cloth are producedby locally heating the cloth, preferably using hot air, for example witha hot air blower, so that the cloth melts locally and forms a hole.

In a practical advantageous embodiment, the holes in the protectivecloth are made using hot air while the protective cloth is situated ontop of the readily water-permeable strip, in which case the hot airmakes a hole in the protective cloth, but passes through the stripwithout making a hole therein. The hot air is able to readily passthrough the strip due to the open structure thereof and the outflowopening in the line situated underneath, so that the strip does notmelt, whereas the protective cloth does.

As has been explained with respect to the first aspect of the invention,the outflow openings are preferably first dimensioned correctly in orderto produce a uniform water flow. Preferably, the strip of gauze materialor open fabric is subsequently laid over the line and on top thereof theprotective cloth.

The fourth aspect of the invention also relates to a cultivation floorsystem installed by means of the method described.

The fourth aspect of the invention also relates to a cultivation floorsystem comprising a cultivation floor on which plant containers areplaced, which cultivation floor system comprises an ebb/flood wateringinstallation which is configured to alternately cause a supply of waterto the cultivation floor and a discharge of water from the cultivationfloor, which cultivation floor comprises:

-   -   a watertight basin with a plastic membrane as a watertight basin        bottom;    -   one or more irrigation lines in the basin, preferably in such a        way that an irrigation line is situated in a channel and the        plastic membrane runs underneath the irrigation line, which        irrigation lines provide several outflow openings along their        length which make it possible for water to flow from the one or        more irrigation lines;    -   a water-permeable structure in the basin, which structure has a        permeable and horizontal top which forms the floor on which        plant containers are placed, which structure comprises one or        more layers of granular material, wherein the one or more        irrigation lines are covered by the water-permeable structure,        characterized in that    -   an elongate, readily water-permeable strip of gauze or an open        fabric is arranged over the irrigation line provided with        outflow openings, which strip is configured to prevent granular        material from penetrating into the outflow openings, and which        strip preferably covers edge regions of the basin bottom which        border the irrigation line,    -   and in that a protective cloth is laid over the watertight        plastic membrane and on or under the readily water-permeable        strip, which protective cloth is configured to prevent granular        material from damaging the watertight plastic membrane situated        underneath,    -   and in that the protective cloth is provided with holes at the        location of the irrigation line, for example exactly at the        location of outflow openings in the irrigation line,    -   and in that one or more layers of granular material are provided        in the basin, in such a manner that water flowing from or into        the irrigation line runs via the readily water-permeable strip        and is not impeded by the protective cloth.

The invention also relates to a greenhouse provided with a cultivationfloor according to one or more of the aspects according to theinvention.

It will be clear that the first, second, third and fourth aspect of theinvention may be incorporated separately in a cultivation floor system,but that it is obviously also possible for several aspects to beincorporated in one cultivation floor system. Thus, for example, thefirst and second and optionally also the fourth aspect of the inventioncan be incorporated in a system, optionally furthermore provided with avalve assembly according to the third aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The various aspects of the invention will be explained below withreference to the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a cultivation floor installation toillustrate the embodiment of the method according to the first aspect ofthe invention,

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a part of a finished cultivation floor,partly to illustrate the fourth aspect of the invention,

FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows an example of a movable tool,

FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows a cut-away view of a cultivation floorinstallation according to the second aspect of the invention,

FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows a cross section of the structure of acultivation floor to illustrate the second aspect of the invention,

FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows an example of a perforated film used in acultivation floor installation according to the second aspect of theinvention,

FIG. 7 diagrammatically shows the structure of an alternativecultivation floor according to the second aspect of the invention incross section,

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a cultivation floor system to illustrate thethird aspect of the invention,

FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross section of an exemplary embodiment of thecombined water supply and discharge valve according to the third aspectof the invention,

FIG. 10 diagrammatically shows a cultivation floor with a wateringinstallation provided with the valve of FIG. 9 ,

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show a cross section of a variant of the combinedwater supply and discharge valve for a cultivation floor, and

FIG. 11 c shows a detail of the valve of FIG. 11 a, b on an enlargedscale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a cultivation floor system 1 which hasbeen installed using a method according to the first aspect of theinvention. In this case, a watertight basin 4 is constructed first. Thebasin 4 has a bottom profile 12 which is produced in a bed, for examplein a bed of sand. Several U-shaped channels 14 are provided in thebottom profile 12 and extend substantially parallel to each other.Although two channels 14 are shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom profile 12 maycomprise significantly more channels 14. On either side of each channel14, the bottom profile 12 comprises a bottom surface 16 which runs offtowards said channel 14. After the bottom profile 12 has been formed,the bed of the bottom profile 12 is covered with a watertight membrane12 a.

Subsequently, an irrigation line 7 is laid in each channel 14. Theirrigation lines 7 preferably have a closed and smooth, non-corrugatedperipheral wall. The irrigation lines 7 are, for example, formed byplastic pipes with smooth walls, such as PVC pipes. The outer diameterof the irrigation lines 7 corresponds to the curvature of the bottom ofthe U-shaped channels 14, in other words the channels 14 are producedwith a cross section which corresponds to the cross section of at leastthe bottom portion of the irrigation line 7 to be accommodated therein.As is illustrated in FIG. 2 , this results in a top portion of anirrigation line 7 which is accommodated in a channel 14 being exposed.

When installing the irrigation lines 7, each irrigation line 7 mayalready have been provided with several lateral outflow openings 8,which are a distance apart in the longitudinal direction of thisirrigation line 7, for example equidistant from each other. Instead, itis also possible for one or more irrigation lines 7 to be configuredsuch that they are initially closed, that is to say have a closed pipewall, in which case the outflow openings 8 are made after theseirrigation lines 7 have been accommodated in the channels 14 andpreferably in the exposed top portion of these irrigation lines 7.

The outflow openings 8 can be made in the irrigation lines 7 indifferent ways. The outflow openings 8 are, for example, made using atool which is provided with a base comprising guide means, for examplewheels, which are configured to engage with an irrigation line 7. Thetool can be placed on an irrigation line 7 and moved along theirrigation line 7. At a location where an outflow opening 8 is desired,the tool may perform an operation on the irrigation line 7 to form theoutflow opening 8, for example by drilling, milling, sawing, burning,cutting, or punching.

The irrigation lines 7 are connected to a valve assembly 21 via asupply/discharge line 20. The valve assembly 21 is furthermore connectedto a water storage 11 and a water pump 10.

After the irrigation lines 7 have been accommodated in the channels 14and provided with outflow openings 8, water is supplied to theirrigation lines 7 by means of the water pump 10. In this case, theemerging flow of water from the irrigation lines 7 is monitored, forexample visually, by an individual or by a measuring system (not shown).

If undesired deviations in the emerging flow are observed, the effectiveemerging flow is adjusted in situ according to the invention byproviding the irrigation lines 7 with one or more additional outflowopenings 8 or by increasing the dimensions of one or more outflowopenings 8 at a location where the emerging flow is considered to be toosmall and/or by closing one or more outflow openings 8 in the irrigationlines or by reducing the dimensions of one or more outflow openings 8 ata location where the emerging flow is considered to be too large.

If necessary, the steps of supplying water, monitoring and adjusting theeffective emerging flow are repeated one or more times until a desireduniform emerging flow of water from the irrigation lines 7 is achieved.After the emerging flow has been made uniform, a permeable mat or cloth18 is placed over the irrigation line 7 and adjacent surface parts 16 ofthe bottom profile 12.

Subsequently, a water-permeable structure 5 is arranged in the basin 4.The water-permeable structure 5 preferably comprises one or more layersof granular material, but may also (or in combination with the latter)comprise one or more water-permeable mats or cloths. In this case, theirrigation lines 7 are covered by the water-permeable structure 5.

As described, an elongate, readily water-permeable strip 18 of gauze oran open fabric may be laid over the irrigation line 7 which is providedwith outflow openings, which strip 18 is configured to prevent granularmaterial from penetrating into the outflow openings, and which strip 18preferably covers edge regions of the basin bottom which border theirrigation line.

Thereafter, a protective cloth 19 may be placed over the watertightplastic membrane 12 a and the readily water-permeable strip 18, whichprotective cloth 19 is configured to prevent granular material fromdamaging the watertight plastic membrane 12 a situated underneath.

Preferably, holes are made in the protective cloth 19 at the location ofthe irrigation line 7, preferably after the protective cloth has beenpositioned, for example exactly at the location of the outflow openings8 in the irrigation line.

Subsequently, one or more layers of granular material 5 are arranged inthe basin.

The water-permeable structure 5 furthermore comprises a permeable andhorizontal top layer which forms a cultivation floor 2. The top layeris, for example, formed by a top cloth 17, such as a woven top cloth, inwhich pores are present between the yarns of the fabric.

Preferably, the cultivation floor 2 is sufficiently stable to driveacross it with a vehicle.

Plant containers 6 containing plants to be grown or the like are placedon the cultivation floor 2. The plant containers 6 are, for example,partly open on the underside and/or are configured to be completely orpartly water-permeable.

The water storage 11, the water pump 10, the valve assembly 21, thesupply/discharge line 9 and the irrigation lines 7 together form anebb/flood watering installation which is configured to alternately causea supply of water to the cultivation floor 2 and a discharge of waterfrom the cultivation floor 2, preferably with a highest water levelabove the top cloth.

With the cultivation floor system 1 which comprises this methodaccording to the invention, a particularly uniform irrigation isachieved.

FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows an example of a movable tool 30 which isable to make outflow openings in the line. The tool 30 is provided witha frame 31 comprising a base with guide means, for example wheels 32,33, which are configured to engage with the irrigation line 7.

In this example, a circular saw 34 is provided which can move up anddown and has a saw blade and motor which can be moved downwardsselectively to produce a local saw cut in the line.

Here, the tool is provided with a handle 35 by means of which anindividual walking behind or next to the tool can push the tool alongthe line.

The first aspect of the invention is not limited to the method describedby means of FIGS. 1 and 2 . The person skilled in the art can makevarious modifications which fall within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cultivation floor system with a floor 2 on which plantcontainers 6 are placed. The cultivation floor system comprises awatertight basin 4.

In the basin 4, a water-permeable structure 5 is present, whichstructure has a permeable top cloth 17 which forms the floor on whichplant containers are placed.

The structure furthermore comprises one or more water-retaining layers,here a single layer, in this case—as is preferred—made of granularmaterial.

Furthermore, an ebb/flood watering installation is provided which isconfigured for supplying water, so that water is available to the plantsin the plant containers 6.

The watering installation comprises one or more irrigation lines 7 inthe basin 4, which irrigation lines have several outflow openings alongtheir length which make it possible for water to flow out of the one ormore irrigation lines, wherein the one or more irrigation lines arecovered by the water-permeable structure.

A water storage 11 is provided, for example a storage pond or anunderground water storage, from which water can be pumped by means of apump 10 in order to supply water to the basin 4, for example until awater level above the top cloth 17 is achieved. Once this “floodsituation” has lasted sufficiently long, the water is allowed to flowaway to the store 11 via the lines 7. A valve assembly 21 may beprovided in order to control the desired supply of water to the basinand discharge from the basin 4. In a possible variant, the water storage11 is above the level of the cultivation floor, so that the differencein height in fact supplies the pump action for the water supply to thecultivation floor and no separate pump is necessary in the supply to thecultivation floor. Optionally, a pump is provided in the return flow tothe water storage.

The water-containing layer 5 will remain wet and thus retain water whenthe water has flowed from the basin 4.

The top cloth 17 is permeable, having a relatively high porosity andsmall pores. Preferably, the top cloth is woven, for example fromsuitable synthetic yarn, and the pores between the yarns of the topcloth 17 are relatively small. The top cloth is preferably UV-resistantand also wear-resistant, for example suitable to be driven over bylightweight vehicles.

FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows a cross section, not to scale, of thestructure of a cultivation floor in the system according to the secondaspect of the invention.

In this case, the top cloth 17 is situated directly on top of aperforated film 40 containing perforations 41, so that a perforated filmis present between the permeable top cloth 17 on the one hand and thewater-retaining layer 5 on the other hand, which perforated film is madeof impermeable film material which has been provided with distributedperforations in such a manner that the film reduces the free evaporationsurface of water from the water-retaining layer 5 preferably by at least50%, more preferably by at least 90%.

In this example, as an optional aspect, a capillary mat 45 isfurthermore provided which has a capillary action in the horizontaldirection and in the vertical direction, for example a non-woven mat offibrous elements, for example a compacted non-woven mat. As a resultthereof, transportation of moisture underneath the film is also possiblein a horizontal direction, for example from plant to plant. In thiscase, this mat 45 is situated underneath the perforated film, directlyon top of the granular layer 5. The mat 45 preferably also forms astabilizing mat on top of the granular layer 5.

Alternatively, but less advantageously, the mat 45 is situated betweenthe top cloth 17 and the perforated film 40.

The film 40 is closed as such, and therefore does not allow water orwater vapour to pass, except at the location of the perforations 41 insaid film 40.

In this way, the film 40 forms an, albeit imperfect, barrier to water,as it were, which, due to the (usually heated) climate in the greenhouse(or optionally due to heating in the cultivation floor itself) will wantto evaporate from the layer 5 and rise up through the permeablestructure and the permeable top cloth.

The film 40 significantly reduces the free evaporation surface, as itwere. As a result thereof, water which has remained behind in thewater-containing layer 5 can evaporate much less readily. Furthermore,this vapour only rises up in the film 40 at the location of theperforations 41, as a result of which it is readily possible for the topcloth 17 to dry out in the regions between these perforations.

The size of the perforations 41 is preferably chosen to be such that theperforations do not impede a possible through-flow of water in anebb/flood watering installation.

For example, perforations 41 with diameters of between 1 mm and 12 mm orperforations with corresponding dimensions in terms of surface area areprovided if a non-round shape is chosen.

For example, the distance between adjacent perforations 41 in the film40 or between groups of smaller perforations is at least 10 mm, as aresult of which dry zones can readily occur in the top cloth 17.

In a practical embodiment, a perforated film 40 (see FIG. 6 ) isprovided which is made of impermeable film material which is providedwith distributed perforations 41 having an average opening of between0.75 mm² and 108 mm², wherein the perforations preferably form at most10% of the surface area, if desired at most 5% of the surface area.

In an advantageous embodiment, the perforated film 40 is a single-layerfilm.

FIG. 7 shows a more complex embodiment in which the top cloth 17 issituated on a compressible mat 50 with an open structure.

This compressible mat 50 can be compressed locally by the weight of eachplant container 6, which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7 .

In the non-compressed regions of the mat 50, said mat 50 does not haveany capillary action. In the compressed regions under the plantcontainers 6, a hydraulic connection takes place, partly or completelyaccompanied by capillary action, between the plant container 6 and theone or more water-retaining layers 5.

Here, the compressible mat 50 is situated on top of the perforated film40, as is preferred, and the one or more water-retaining layers 5 aresituated underneath the perforated film 40. In this way, the filmreduces the free evaporation surface, so that water vapour is preventedfrom rising up and reaching the compressible mat 50. This is onlypossible at the location of the perforations 41 and not in the majorityof the surface area of the film 40. As a result thereof, there is thusalso a relatively dry climate in the compressible mat 50, at thelocation of the closed film. This contributes to the prevention of thegrowth of algae in or on the top cloth 17, and also contributes to areduction of the moisture percentage in the greenhouse.

In this embodiment, the top cloth 17 in the non-compressed regions ofthe mat 50 is kept at an additional distance, as it were, from the oneor more water-retaining layers 5, and due to the airy composition of thecompressible mat, the top cloth can readily dry in those locations.

In a possible variant of a floor with compressible mat, the perforatedfilm is situated on a capillary mat 55, as illustrated here. As ispreferred, this mat is directly on top of a granular layer 5 in orderthus to provide horizontal transportation of water.

The third aspect of the invention will be explained below with referenceto FIGS. 8-11 .

FIGS. 8 and 10 diagrammatically show a cultivation floor system toillustrate the third aspect of the invention.

The system 1 comprises a cultivation floor 2 with a watertight basin 4,in this case comprising a water-permeable structure 5 and awater-permeable top layer or top cloth 17 which forms the actual floor.The structure 5 comprises one or more layers of granular material, butmay also (or in combination therewith) comprise one or morewater-permeable mats.

Plants to be grown or the like are placed on the floor 2 in plantcontainers 6, for example in containers 6 which are partly open on theunderside and/or are configured to be water-permeable.

Plastic pots, for example provided with holes at the underside, are usedas plant containers, but other plant containers are also known. Forexample, the pot is made of porous and/or biological material, such ascoconut fibre, or no pot is present and the plant container is, forexample, a block of growth substrate, for example mineral wool or thelike.

Preferably, the floor is sufficiently stable to drive a vehicle acrossit.

The cultivation floor system furthermore comprises an ebb/flood wateringinstallation which is configured to alternately cause a supply of waterto the cultivation floor 2 and a discharge of water from the cultivationfloor, preferably at a highest water level above the top cloth 17.

The watering installation comprises:

-   -   one or more irrigation lines 7, 9 in the basin 4;    -   a pump 10 for supplying water to the one or more irrigation        lines 7, 9;    -   a discharge line 13;    -   a water storage 11, wherein the pump 10 removes water from the        water storage and the discharge line returns water to the water        storage.

Furthermore, a valve assembly with a combined supply and discharge valve21 is provided, an embodiment of which will be explained in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

The valve 21 comprises:

-   -   a housing 61;    -   a main cylinder 62 in the housing 61, which main cylinder has a        vertical axis;    -   a pump inlet 63 connected to the main cylinder 62, which pump        inlet is connected to the water pump 10,    -   an irrigation line connection 64 in the housing which is        connected to the main cylinder 62 and to which the one or more        irrigation lines 7, 9 are connected.

In the main cylinder 62, a valve piston 65 is provided which can bemoved up and down along the vertical axis. The housing 61 is providedwith a seat 66 at a bottom end of the main cylinder 62. The piston 65may cooperate with this seat 66.

The housing is furthermore provided with an outlet connection 67 towhich the discharge line 13 is connected. The outlet connection 67 isprovided in a bottom part of the housing 61, underneath the seat 66, inwhich the main cylinder 62 is situated above this seat 66.

The piston 65 is vertically movable between a bottom closed position(see FIG. 9 ) in which the piston 65 engages with the seat 66 and closesoff the outlet connection 67 of the main cylinder 62, and an open raisedposition in which the piston is lifted above the seat, so that theoutlet 67 is connected to the main cylinder 62 and to the connection 64for the irrigation lines 7, 9.

The piston 65 is provided with a reservoir 68 in which water can beaccumulated temporarily. The piston is provided with an outflow channel69, so that this water can flow slowly out of the reservoir, at least ifthe piston 65 is in its closed position.

As shown here, the outflow 69 channel may be an open, valveless duct.But the outflow channel could also be provided with a valve, for examplea valve which opens when the water level in the reservoir reaches acertain level.

The outflow 69 may be provided in the bottom of the piston, as isillustrated here, in such a manner that the outflow channel 69 directlyopens out into the outlet 67.

In a variant, the outflow channel is provided in the piston, in such away that the outflow channel is connected to the connection for theirrigation line, for example in the side wall of the piston. In thisway, the reservoir 68 empties until the water level therein equals thewater level on the cultivation floor. This may be dimensioned such thatthe weight of the water in the reservoir is then insufficient to keepthe piston in its closed position, resulting in the valve 21 opening,for example under the effect of restoring means.

In this variant, a second outflow channel may be provided in such a waythat it runs from a bottom point of the reservoir and ends at the seat66, in such a way that this outflow channel is closed as long as thepiston is in its closed position. If the valve then opens, the reservoir68 will empty completely. This may be effected by means of a very smalloutflow channel.

The piston 65 has a reservoir inlet 68 a in such a manner that whenwater is supplied to the pump inlet 63 of the valve 21, the reservoir inthe piston fills up with water (see FIG. 9 ), with the additional weightof the water in the reservoir 68 being sufficient to keep the piston inits closed position.

The piston 65 and the main cylinder 62 are configured in such a mannerthat water can pass from the pump inlet to the irrigation lineconnection 64 when the piston 65 is in the closed position.

A restoring mechanism 70 is provided, in this case with one or moresprings, and forces the piston 65 into its open position when the watervolume in the reservoir 68 of the piston has dropped below a certainamount, for example if the reservoir has emptied virtually completely.In a variant of the restoring mechanism, for example, a counterweight(via a cable or lever or the like) or a float is provided.

FIG. 9 shows how the outflow of the piston 65 is provided in the bottomof the reservoir and ends at the outlet connection 67 of the valve 21when the piston is in its closed position. The reservoir can then alwaysbe emptied in a reliable manner.

If desired, an adjustable outflow of the piston reservoir 68 may beprovided, so that the speed at which the reservoir empties in the pistoncan be adjusted and thus the time for which the valve 21 remains closedand the high water level is maintained in the basin.

FIG. 9 shows how a removable cover 71 is provided at the top side of thehousing 61, so that the piston 65 can be removed from the main cylinder,for example for cleaning.

FIG. 9 shows that the reservoir inlet 68 a is situated at the top sideof the piston and the pump inlet 63 ends above the reservoir inlet 68 a.As a result thereof, this reservoir is filled immediately and the valvecloses in a reliable manner as soon as water is sent in the direction ofthe basin. In a variant, an inlet pipe is positioned in the reservoirvia the reservoir inlet 68 a, for example so far that the thrust fromthe supplied water, which thrust acts on the piston 65, also serves toclose the valve.

The piston 65 has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter ofthe main cylinder 62, so that a ring-shaped passage for water ispresent, through which water can flow from the pump inlet to theirrigation line connection when the valve is closed. This solution isvery simple and prevents the piston from becoming clamped in thecylinder.

In a possible embodiment, a restriction element is provided, as will beexplained below with reference to FIG. 11 , as a result of which, forexample, the closing force on the valve piston is increased by anincreasing water pressure upstream of the restriction element.

In a simple embodiment, the housing comprises a plastic pipe section,preferably made of PVC, which forms the main cylinder 62.

In a simple embodiment, the piston 65 comprises a plastic pipe section,preferably made of PVC, which forms the reservoir 68 of the piston.

In a simple embodiment, the bottom portion of the valve 21 is configuredas a T-piece made of plastic, for example a T-piece for PVC pipes, inwhich case the one socket accommodates the length of pipe forming themain cylinder, the other socket forms the irrigation line connection,and a third insertion socket forms the outlet connection. Optionally, asealing ring of the T-piece may serve as a seat 66 for the valve.

In a system, for example a greenhouse, comprising several basins 4 whichcan be operated separately, a combined supply and discharge valve 21 ispreferably provided at each basin.

In order to supply water to the cultivation floor 2, water is suppliedto the pump inlet 63 of the combined supply and discharge valve 21 bymeans of the pump 10, as a result of which the reservoir 68 in thepiston 65 is filled and the piston 65 is pushed onto the seat 66 in itsclosed position. As a result thereof, the supplied water flows to theirrigation line connection 64 and to the one or more irrigation lines 7,9 via the passage in the housing 61 before flowing into the basin 4.This supply is stopped when the water in the basin has reached a desiredwater level. Instead of or in addition to the passage between valvepiston and the cylindrical part of the housing, a bypass duct may alsobe provided in the housing.

The floor may be overflowed by the supplied water, so that the bottomportions of the plant containers are submerged in water. However, it isalso conceivable for the water level not to be higher than the floor,for example when the water supply is used to make/keep the permeablestructure itself wet and/or to cool the floor with the water.

In that case, the water runs from the reservoir 68 via the outflowchannel 69, but the valve 21 remains closed as long as the amount ofwater in the reservoir 68 of the piston 65 is sufficient to keep thevalve in its closed position.

The piston 65 of the valve 21 moves into its open position if the amountof water in the reservoir 68 of the piston has dropped below a certainamount, so that the water via the one or more irrigation lines 7, 9, theirrigation line connection 64, and the outlet connection 67 flows fromthe basin to the water storage.

Another combined supply and discharge valve 80 for a cultivation floorsystem with an ebb/flood watering installation will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 a, 11 b and 11 c.

The valve 80 comprises a housing 81 having a main cylinder 82 in thehousing, which main cylinder has an axis 82 a, optionally or evenpreferably a horizontal axis.

The valve 80 furthermore comprises a pump inlet 83, configured here asan end of an inlet pipe 84. The pump inlet 83 is connected to the maincylinder via the inlet pipe 84. In addition, the pump inlet 83 isconnected to the pump 10.

The housing is furthermore provided with an irrigation line connection85 which is connected to the main cylinder 82 and to which the one ormore irrigation lines 7, 9 are connected.

A valve piston 86 is provided in the main cylinder 82 and is movablealong the axis 82 a.

The housing is provided with a seat 87 at one end of the main cylinder82. In addition, the housing is provided with an outlet connection 88 towhich the discharge line 13 is connected.

The outlet connection 88 is provided in an end part of the housing, onthat side of the seat 87 which is turned away from the main cylinder.

The valve piston 86 can be moved to and fro in the main cylinder betweena closed position (FIG. 11 a ) in which the piston 86 sealingly bearsagainst the seat 87, thus closing off the outlet connection 88 of themain cylinder 82.

FIG. 11 b shows the open position in which the piston 86 is at adistance from the seat 87, so that the outlet connection 88 is connectedto the main cylinder 82.

A flow path for water is present between the valve piston 85 and thehousing 81, in such a way that water can pass from the pump inlet 83 tothe irrigation line connection 88 when the piston is in the closedposition (see FIG. 11 a ).

At the end which is turned away from the seat 86, the housing 81 has anend cap 89, for example as a removable cover, which forms a closure forthe main cylinder 82, so that a chamber 90 is formed between this endcap 89 and the valve piston 86 which chamber 90 can be varied in size bythe position of the piston 86 and which is connected to the pump inlet83.

The valve 80 is furthermore provided with a restriction element 91 whichforms a restriction at a location between the valve piston 86 and thehousing 81 for the water which is supplied via the pump connection 83,so that a water pressure is created and/or increased upstream of therestriction 91, which water pressure brings and keeps the valve piston86 in its closed position.

In the illustrated practical embodiment, the restriction element 91 is astationary and rigid restriction element 91, which defines a fixedrestriction surface area for the water flow, which surface area ispreferably smaller than the inner diameter of the pump inlet 83.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that the restrictionelement 91 is arranged between the outer periphery of the valve piston86 and the surrounding portion of the housing 81. Here, the restrictionelement is fitted on the outer periphery of the valve piston 86 in theform of a ring 91, with an annular gap being present between the ringand the housing as a restricting passage for the water flow.

In FIG. 11 a, b , it can furthermore be seen that the valve piston 86has a tubular portion 86 a which extends along the axis 82 a and has abore 93 which is open at that end of the valve piston 86 which is turnedaway from the seat 87. The housing furthermore comprises the inlet pipe84 which is connected to the pump inlet and which in this case extendsalong the axis 82 a and into the bore 93 in the tubular portion 86 a ofthe valve piston 86. Preferably, the inlet pipe only has a mouth 84 a atits axial end, so that the water squirts against the blind end of thebore in the valve piston 86 in the axial direction. Preferably, theinlet pipe 84 has a significantly smaller outer diameter than thediameter of the bore 93, for example such that the surface area of theintermediate annulus is greater than the surface area of the innerdiameter inlet pipe 84 or of the mouth 84 a thereof.

In addition, restoring means are provided, for example one or moresprings, for example one or more tension springs 95, which reset thevalve piston 86 to the open position when the supply of water to thepump inlet 83 stops.

In one possible embodiment, locking means are provided which areconfigured to lock the valve piston in its closed position. For examplein a locking pin is provided which can be pressed against the valvepiston in the axis direction and secured.

The valve 80 may be provided with an air valve 96, for example anon-return valve or an actuable valve, which air valve serves to allowair to escape—if desired—optionally automatically, from the maincylinder, for example from said chamber.

The valve 80 may be constructed in the same way from PVC pipe materialas described with reference to the other valve.

If the valve 80 is intended to be positioned vertically or obliquely,this valve 80 may also be provided with an outflow as described withreference to the other valve.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cultivation floor system with a floor on whichplant containers are to be placed, wherein said cultivation floor systemcomprises: a watertight basin; a water-permeable structure arranged inthe basin so as to fill a bottom section of the basin and extend upwardfrom the bottom section of the basin, wherein said water-permeablestructure comprises one or more water-retaining layers; a wateringinstallation which is configured to supply water so that water isavailable for plants in the plant containers; a permeable woven topcloth positioned above said water-permeable structure, which permeablewoven top cloth forms a top side of the floor on which plant containersare placed; a compressible mat having an airy and open structure, whichcompressible mat is arranged between said water-permeable structure andthe permeable woven top cloth; a perforated film arranged between saidwater-permeable structure and the permeable woven top cloth, whichperforated film is made of impermeable film material which is providedwith distributed perforations in such a manner that the film reduces thefree evaporation surface for water from the one or more water-retaininglayers and allows water vapor to pass through the perforated film onlyat the location of the perforations, wherein the watering installationis an ebb/flood watering installation which is configured to alternatelycause a supply of water to the cultivation floor and a discharge ofwater from the cultivation floor, wherein said watering installationcomprises one or more irrigation lines in the basin, wherein saidirrigation lines have outflow openings along their length which allowwater to flow from the one or more irrigation lines, wherein the one ormore irrigation lines are covered by the water-permeable structure inthe basin.
 2. The cultivation floor system according to claim 1, whereinthe compressible mat is situated on top of the perforated film, betweenthe permeable woven top cloth and the perforated film.
 3. Thecultivation floor system according to claim 1, wherein the compressiblemat is situated underneath the perforated film, and the permeable woventop cloth is situated on top of the perforated film.
 4. The cultivationfloor system according to claim 1, wherein the basin has a bottomprofile which is produced in a bed of sand, wherein the bottom profilecomprises a channel in which an irrigation line is provided and a bottomsurface on one or both sides of the channel, the bottom surface slopingtowards the channel, wherein the bed is covered by a watertight plasticfilm that also extends under the irrigation line in the channel.
 5. Thecultivation floor system according to claim 1, wherein the impermeablefilm material is provided with distributed perforations in such a mannerthat the film reduces the free evaporation surface for water from theone or more water-retaining layers by at least 50%.
 6. The cultivationfloor system according to claim 1, wherein the perforated film is madeof impermeable film material which is provided with distributedperforations having a diameter between 0.5 millimeter and 12millimeters.
 7. The cultivation floor system according to claim 1,wherein the perforated film is made of impermeable film material whichis provided with distributed perforations having a diameter between 7millimeters and 11 millimeters.
 8. The cultivation floor systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the perforated film is made of impermeablefilm material which is provided with distributed perforations, whereinadjacent perforations are spaced apart at least 10 millimeters.
 9. Thecultivation floor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or morewater-retaining layers are layers of granular material.
 10. Thecultivation floor system according to claim 1, wherein the permeablewoven top cloth has a high porosity and small pores.
 11. The cultivationfloor system according to claim 1, wherein the compressible mat isconfigured to be compressible locally by each plant container, whereinthe compressible mat is configured such that, in use, non-compressedregions of the mat exhibit no or scarcely any capillary action andcompressed regions provide a hydraulic connection between a plantcontainer and the one or more water-retaining layers.
 12. Thecultivation floor system according to claim 1, wherein the perforatedfilm is a single-layer film.
 13. A cultivation floor system with a flooron which plant containers are to be placed, wherein said cultivationfloor system comprises: a watertight basin; a water-permeable structurearranged in the basin so as to fill a bottom section of the basin andextend upward from the bottom section of the basin, wherein saidwater-permeable structure comprises one or more water-retaining layers;a watering installation which is configured to supply water so thatwater is available for plants in the plant containers; a permeable woventop cloth positioned above said water-permeable structure, whichpermeable woven top cloth forms a top side of the floor on which plantcontainers are placed; a compressible mat having an airy and openstructure, which compressible mat is arranged between saidwater-permeable structure and the permeable woven top cloth; aperforated film arranged between said water-permeable structure and thepermeable woven top cloth, which perforated film is made of impermeablefilm material which is provided with distributed perforations in such amanner that the film reduces the free evaporation surface for water fromthe one or more water-retaining layers and allows water vapor to passthrough the perforated film only at the location of the perforations,wherein the one or more water-retaining layers are layers of granularmaterial.
 14. A cultivation floor system with a floor on which plantcontainers are to be placed, wherein said cultivation floor systemcomprises: a watertight basin; a water-permeable structure arranged inthe basin so as to fill a bottom section of the basin and extend upwardfrom the bottom section of the basin, wherein said water-permeablestructure comprises one or more water-retaining layers; a wateringinstallation which is configured to supply water so that water isavailable for plants in the plant containers; a permeable woven topcloth positioned above said water-permeable structure, which permeablewoven top cloth forms a top side of the floor on which plant containersare placed; a compressible mat having an airy and open structure, whichcompressible mat is arranged between said water-permeable structure andthe permeable woven top cloth; a perforated film arranged between saidwater-permeable structure and the permeable woven top cloth, whichperforated film is made of impermeable film material which is providedwith distributed perforations in such a manner that the film reduces thefree evaporation surface for water from the one or more water-retaininglayers and allows water vapor to pass through the perforated film onlyat the location of the perforations, wherein the permeable woven topcloth has a high porosity and small pores.
 15. A cultivation floorsystem with a floor on which plant containers are to be placed, whereinsaid cultivation floor system comprises: a watertight basin; awater-permeable structure arranged in the basin so as to fill a bottomsection of the basin and extend upward from the bottom section of thebasin, wherein said water-permeable structure comprises one or morewater-retaining layers; a watering installation which is configured tosupply water so that water is available for plants in the plantcontainers; a permeable woven top cloth positioned above saidwater-permeable structure, which permeable woven top cloth forms a topside of the floor on which plant containers are placed; a compressiblemat having an airy and open structure, which compressible mat isarranged between said water-permeable structure and the permeable woventop cloth; a perforated film arranged between said water-permeablestructure and the permeable woven top cloth, which perforated film ismade of impermeable film material which is provided with distributedperforations in such a manner that the film reduces the free evaporationsurface for water from the one or more water-retaining layers and allowswater vapor to pass through the perforated film only at the location ofthe perforations, wherein the compressible mat is configured to becompressible locally by each plant container, wherein the compressiblemat is configured such that, in use, non-compressed regions of the matexhibit no or scarcely any capillary action and compressed regionsprovide a hydraulic connection between a plant container and the one ormore water-retaining layers.
 16. A cultivation floor system with a flooron which plant containers are to be placed, wherein said cultivationfloor system comprises: a watertight basin; a water-permeable structurearranged in the basin so as to fill a bottom section of the basin andextend upward from the bottom section of the basin, wherein saidwater-permeable structure comprises one or more water-retaining layers;a watering installation which is configured to supply water so thatwater is available for plants in the plant containers; a permeable woventop cloth positioned above said water-permeable structure, whichpermeable woven top cloth forms a top side of the floor on which plantcontainers are placed; a compressible mat having an airy and openstructure, which compressible mat is arranged between saidwater-permeable structure and the permeable woven top cloth; aperforated film arranged between said water-permeable structure and thepermeable woven top cloth, which perforated film is made of impermeablefilm material which is provided with distributed perforations in such amanner that the film reduces the free evaporation surface for water fromthe one or more water-retaining layers and allows water vapor to passthrough the perforated film only at the location of the perforations,wherein the perforated film is a single-layer film.